Councils map provision to spot childcare gaps
Local authorities are focusing on existing provision as they start to carry out assessments of childcare as part of their new duties under the Childcare Act. Nursery World spoke to three local authorities who are at various stages of their childcare sufficiency assessments, which must be completed by 2008.
Nursery World spoke to three local authorities who are at various stages of their childcare sufficiency assessments, which must be completed by 2008.
Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council, Herefordshire County Council and Newcastle City Council have all conducted mapping and local audits and say they are keen to establish a more detailed picture of supply and demand.
Karen Josse, efficiency and sustainability manager in Wakefield Early Years Service, said, 'We're very much looking at linking with private and voluntary providers for the second phase of children's centres. We don't want to duplicate services and want to make sure existing providers remain sustainable.'
She said briefing sessions are soon to be held in Wakefield. 'We've invited any partners and stakeholders who are involved or have an interest in any way, particularly colleagues who represent hard to reach groups.'
Ros Hatherill, manager of early years and extended services at Herefordshire council, said holiday care was a major demand. 'Our problem is always around rurality - though we may have places, they may be in the wrong area for families. We will need a variety of packages and solutions.'
The council has commissioned Neil Stewart Associates to complete part of the assessment by consulting parents and providers and setting up focus groups.
Newcastle City Council is putting the assessment process out for tender.
Pauline Pestell, strategic lead for children's centres, said that consulting with local employers was a priority.
'Unison is on our steering group to help us consult with all kinds of employers, and Job Centre Plus will hopefully give us access to a local employers forum,' she said.
Meanwhile, an independent survey of 15 local authorities on how they will conduct sufficiency assessments has revealed a lack of funding to carry out assessments, gaps in guidance, and failure to consult local employers.
The survey, Progress towards Sufficiency, was commissioned by Opportunity Links, a voluntary organisation helping parents with issues such as childcare and flexible working. It can be found at www.opp-links.org.uk.
